Memory foam mattresses, Tempurpedic Mattress

Without a doubt, Tempur-pedic mattresses are at the top of the memory foam heap when it comes to quality. But they’re no longer the only game in town.
When memory foam transitioned from NASA-inspired research into a bonafide commercial product, it was Tempur-pedic that introduced this sleep system revolution to the general public. The company deserves credit for that and for introducing and maintaining a high quality product with superior materials and high production standards.
For a good many unfortunate years, the memory foam mattress market consisted of Tempur-pedic and a number of knock-off brands offering cheap imitations that undermined the public’s trust. Now, those days are gone. The memory foam marketplace has experienced a renaissance in recent years and a number of memory foam manufacturers have stepped up with competitive products that are available in easier to digest price points.
Tempur-pedic has a reputation for using denser memory foam that provides superior support, albeit at a very high cost to the consumer. Selection after selection, you will be hard-pressed to find a memory foam mattress more expensive than Tempur-pedic. The company has been slow to respond to the emergence of brands that are comparable in quality and durability.
Every company closely guards its recipe for turning their polyurethane or plant-based mix into memory foam gold. Some will argue that Tempur-pedic holds rights to a superior mix that ensures an unparalleled product. But the reality is Tempur-pedic trades largely on its name and reputation.
With so many competitors nipping at Tempur-pedic’s heels for market share, it is obvious standards have leveled out and the playing field is quite level. But the name recognition Tempur-pedic still enjoys allows them to continue to charge exorbitant prices. Consumers should wake up to alternative options now widely available in retail outlets and online.
No longer do consumers have to settle for high quality at a high price. A little research can cut through the brand bravado and reveal the true character of the individual memory foam mattresses. The bottom line: Tempur-pedic is good, and some people will understandably remain loyal, but there are many other options that provide equitable quality at less painful prices.

The memory foam star is on the rise. For several years now, great things have been happening in the memory foam market – prices have gone down, quality has gone up and available options have expanded.
The lifestyle benefits of memory foam mattresses have been well-known for more than a decade, but for a long time the market enjoyed virtually no healthy competition. As a result, consumers were faced with a high-end, expensive option and several less-than quality alternatives where quality matched price – cheap.
But the market has expanded in recent years with the introduction of several quality-oriented manufacturers and a greater number of retailers offering the product at more affordable prices. Additionally, memory foam technology has been refined and new innovations – such as plant-based eco-friendly memory foam – have added value to an already established product.
As availability and choice has increased, more and more people have discovered memory foam and been sold on its lifestyle benefits. Others have been introduced through word of mouth and personal experience – perhaps as an overnight guest in a memory foam mattress owner’s home. The message is out: Memory foam’s initial popularity was no fluke. This is a real-deal product innovation that has stood the test of time and come out even more popular with each passing day.
Memory foam offers real benefits that are quantifiable and that lends greatly to its popularity. From improved circulation and elimination of the sore pressure points that result from innerspring mattress use to improved sleep and hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial properties – memory foam’s success is real and performance based.
The unique “melting” sensation users rave about is a result of the elimination of metal springs used for support in traditional mattresses. Memory foam is derived from a polyurethane or plant-based mixture that relies on millions of tiny open cells – that compress under pressure – to contour the body in a cradle-like effect. Now doesn’t that sound good? Admit it, you’re sold already.

All memory foam mattresses are not created equal.
This rule of thumb is essential information when comparing memory foam mattresses because the retail sales landscape is riddled with pitfalls ready to snag the unwary consumer. But the vigilant consumer can overcome this quandary if armed with the right information.
First, you have to understand what memory foam is and how it works. Memory foam is derived from a polyurethane or plant-based mix that hardens into a solid mass comprised of millions of tiny open cells. This is how memory foam mattresses are able to support body weight without using metal springs that cause painful pressure points in traditional mattresses. The resulting “melting” feeling is why you’re reading this and why you need to pay special attention to several key traits that are shared by every memory foam mattress because “the devil is in the details” as they say.
Made in America. The best memory foam mattresses – read, highest quality materials and most stringent manufacturing standards – are produced in North America. There is no argument. So, be especially careful when purchasing from other countries as the quality can be dubious. Chinese memory foam in particular should be heavily scrutinized due to lax production standards that allow sub-standard or even harmful materials to be used in an overall shoddy process.
Density is important and it varies in every memory foam mattress. Density is measured in pounds in memory foam. If a mattress has a five-pound density that means each cubic foot of foam weighs four pounds but it doesn’t necessarily reflect the overall weight of the mattress. The lower the number, the less dense the memory foam and less supportive its nature. Generally speaking, memory foam should not have less than a three-pound density or the user risks “bottoming out.” Anything more than six-pounds of density is going to be very firm and probably not very comfortable.
Firmness is another top concern when buying memory foam. Firmness is measured by an indentation Load Deflection (ILD) rating that is also expressed in pounds and relates how much force is required to create an indentation in the foam. Typically, a memory foam mattress with an ILD of 10 will be pretty soft, while an ILD of 15 is considerably more firm – stick within that range.
Because memory foam comes in varying densities and firmness, the best value will come with mattresses that employ several layers of varying types of memory foam. Generally, you’ll want at least two layers – firm core and softer topper – that will provide adequate support and comfort.
With these basic elements in mind, and an ample supply of common-sense, the sensible customer should be able to cut through the chatter to find the right memory foam mattress.

Firmness is one of the most important determining factors in choosing a memory foam mattress. But many people mistakenly think firmness and density are the same thing. They’re not.
And that is a critical detail to understand when considering a purchase that may empty your bank account of $1,000 or more and that is expected to serve you for a decade or more. Both are important factors, but density is a representation of the compactness of the memory foam mattress and how supportive it will be to the user. Firmness, on the other hand, is more telling in how hard or soft the mattress is going to feel – and that is going to be more significant for most people.
First, a quick primer on memory foam firmness:
• A memory foam mattress’ firmness is expressed as an Indentation Load Deflection (ILD) rating.
• ILD measures how many pounds of force are required to depress a 50-inch disc into a 15”x15”x4” piece of memory foam so that a one-inch indention is the result.
• The higher the ILD rating on a memory foam mattress; the firmer it will be. Generally speaking, an ILD of 10 will be a pretty soft mattress, while an ILD of 15 or more will be considerably more firm.
Armed with that knowledge, most consumers should at least have a basic concept of what they are looking for – really, who doesn’t know whether they like a soft or hard bed? If possible, it is a good idea to test out beds personally so that you can get a real-world idea of what firmness level is going to be the best. It may be that the ILD rating you think you will need is not the one that is going to feel the best in your unique situation.
Density doesn’t go away entirely in this scenario as it is still an important overall factor. This is because a memory foam mattress with a higher ILD rating is not guaranteed to be supportive because low density can undermine that important characteristic.
The highest quality memory mattresses will use varying layers to achieve a proper combination of comfort and support. Generally, the upper layer will be softer while the memory foam core will be more firm and dense.
To properly choose a memory foam mattress to best suit your needs, the buyer needs to understand the unique parts that firmness and density play in the equation and the importance of layering to achieve maximum comfort and support that different brands like tempurpedic can offer.

When someone tries to convince others that memory foam mattresses aren’t all they’re cracked up to be, a common refrain is that they sleep hot. This claim is not only untrue, it does little to discredit the vaunted reputation memory foam has earned among droves of fans worldwide.
A more accurate description would be to say that some memory foam mattresses sleep warmer than traditional innerspring mattresses; however, constantly developing technology has greatly mitigated the temperature issue. But that’s not nearly as effective at convincing people they should stick with their outdated, pressure-point creating and generally uncomfortable traditional mattresses is it?
To truly understand the issue, and the real impacts sleepers, it is imperative to understand what memory foam is and how it works.
Memory foam is derived from a poly-urethane or vegetable-based liquid mix that is hardened in a mold and then trimmed to size. It is free standing and there is no metal or wood frame or springs to hold it together and give support. Memory foam is temperature sensitive and comprised of millions of tiny open cells that are kind of like little bubbles – this is where a mattress gets its support.
When a person lies on a memory foam bed, their body heat warms the mattress. As the surface temperatures increases, the material softens, and the person sinks slightly and a body contouring effect is experienced. This is partly where the claim that memory foam sleeps hot arise. As the body sinks into the mattress, weight is distributed evenly, and gaps between body and mattress are eliminated. So there is less air flow, but there is also none of the painful pressure points that develop with traditional mattresses and are the primary cause of mattress-induced sleeplessness.
But probably more damaging to the memory foam reputation is the fact that early mattresses did sleep significantly warmer than their newer counterparts because of certain components in initial polyurethane mixes that are largely no longer in use.
Many higher quality memory foam mattress manufacturers have addressed this issue with new innovations that have changed the chemical composition of memory foam and created a product that is far less warm than before. In fact, for most memory foam users, the warmth issue really isn’t a concern at all compared to overall benefits received.

A memory foam mattress will help you in many ways big and small. From elimination of uncomfortable pressure points, to improved circulation and isolated movement, memory foam mattresses offer the most technologically advanced option for improving the overall sleep experience.
For many decades innerspring mattresses were the cutting edge in mattress technology. But many shortcomings persisted. The internal metal coils that support the user while sleeping on a traditional mattress, inherently push back against the body creating pressure points that can become sore or even painful. These pressure points can also slow the blood flow through those specific areas and impede proper circulation throughout the entire body. The results can include soreness, pain, sleeplessness, restlessness, irritability and forgetfulness among others most surely.
Memory foam mattresses are a whole different story. This polyurethane or vegetable-based foam was originally developed for use in NASA’s space program. It didn’t make the cut, but private researchers were keen on the foam’s potential and worked on it further until a commercially viable product was produced.
Memory foam is like no other product available. There are no metal frames or coiled springs to cause discomfort. Memory foam is temperature sensitive so the body sinks a little as the material warms and is supported by millions of tiny open cells that distribute weight evenly across the mattress.
The body-contouring effect cradles the body as if in a cloud with 100 percent support. The result is a sleep experience that is far superior to anything else available. With soreness, pain and discomfort eliminated, and circulation improved, the body is healthier and better able to function under the strains and stresses of day to day life. Never underestimate the value of not only a good night’s sleep but consistently sufficient rest over an extended period of time. You will be more alert and in a better overall mood. Productivity will increase and exhaustion will be minimized.
With the benefits of memory foam, users are treated to full body rejuvenation and the finest sleep system developed to date.

The care of a memory foam mattress is surprisingly easy once you know the basics of getting the job done to properly preserve your sleep investment.
Memory foam mattresses are completely different from anything else on the market today. Companies like Tempurpedic mattress have shown why a memory foam mattress is so much more different then a traditional spring mattress. The mattress is free of metal springs and framework; instead consisting entirely of a polyurethane or vegetable-based foam mixture. With proper care and maintenance, a memory foam mattress can last for well over a decade without any discernible loss in the level of comfort and support.
The process of taking care of a memory foam mattress begins the moment it is delivered. Because there is no metal framework, memory foam can be rolled tightly for storage and delivery by package services like UPS and FedEx. When you receive your memory foam mattress it will be rolled tightly. You will need to carefully cut the plastic away and allow the mattress to roll out and depress completely. It will not be ready for sleep for several hours or even a day or more depending on the temperature of the room and whether noticeable off-gassing is present.
It’s a good idea to remember that your memory foam mattress will obviously be best protected by a proactive approach that includes use of a mattress cover that liquids cannot permeate, these can come in all sizes from twin to king size memory foam mattresses. Keeping sharp objects away from the mattress is another good idea to keep the mattress from being accidently nicked or gouged.
When an accident does occur, and surely at least one will, the remedy is as common as the cleaners used on a carpet or fabric stain. Most enzyme-based stain removers – particularly those designed to remove pet stains – will do a good job of cleaning the mattress. A mild detergent is another option. Simply dap the cleaner onto the stain as soon as possible after it occurs and blot away the stain. Never use bleach on a memory foam mattress.
The care of a memory foam mattress is really no more than that of any other sleep system. Follow these few simple steps and enjoy a long-lasting relationship with your memory foam mattress.

Tempur-Pedic® is a registered trademark of Dan-Foam A/S Corporation. We don’t sell the Tempur-Pedic® brand, and we are in no way affiliated with Tempur-Pedic®.
The information on this site with regard to Tempur-Pedic® foam is for comparison purposes to our product line of Memory Foam Mattresses, Pillows, and Beds.

There is a reason why memory foam mattresses were a favorite in the medical community – especially hospitals – long before they exploded onto the general retail market. The value of these mattresses goes far beyond the unprecedented level of comfort provided; they are therapeutic and able to help alleviate sleep problems.
For many people sleep problems are caused, or at least contributed to, by physical discomfort in the bed. Old mattresses that have long ago ceased providing support services, are a major culprit and lower back pain or soreness from pressure points can definitely ruin many a good night’s sleep.
Memory foam mattresses are the antithesis to traditional coil spring mattresses in every way. Spring mattresses rely on an intricate network of metal springs to provide support. But these springs push back against the body when weight is applied. This is where pressure points develop and which can also inflame lower back pain as well as discomfort in other areas – all of which can significantly contribute to sleep problems.
A memory foam mattress such as the ones tempurpedic provides can help with sleep problems by eliminating the painful pressure points and provide a fully supported sleep system that cradles the body with no pushing. Memory foam is derived from a polyurethane or vegetable-based mix that is hardened in a mold and cut to shape. Millions of tiny open cells fill the core of the memory foam and provide support by compressing as weight is applied. This allows the body to be slightly absorbed into the mattress. The contouring effect evenly distributes weight and no pressure points develop.
When you can fully relax in bed. When your mattress works the way it was intended. When you feel no discomfort or soreness. When you drift off soundly to sleep night after night in the highest quality sleep system available on the market today – then you will know first-hand how true the claim is that memory foam can help with sleep problems.

For people who have made the transition to memory foam and are looking for additional products, or those who may want ease in by trying out less expensive options, there are a number of accessories available.
Memory foam is polyurethane-based and easily molded into various shapes and sizes. This makes memory foam perfect for a number of applications large and small. The most widely recognized memory foam product is the much-heralded mattress. But there are also pillows, mattress toppers, sleep masks, wedges and other offerings available to supplement, or enhance, the memory foam experience.
Many customers are extremely loyal to memory foam after purchasing a product and the feelings they have are far beyond merely “liking” it. For many, the body-contouring characteristics of memory foam are lifestyle changing and contribute to physical and emotional well-being. Memory foam mattresses work by absorbing the body when warmth softens the memory foam and weight is distributed evenly so pressure points are eliminated. This characteristic is not only more comfortable but it is therapeutic in the way circulation is promoted and is applied on smaller scales in the various memory foam accessories that are available.
People who aren’t quite ready to commit to a mattress purchase may find a mattress topper to be a good option for a slight taste of memory foam’s potential. A Memory Foam Mattress topper provides some of the much-sought-after comfort of memory foam but in a thin mat that fits on top of an existing traditional spring mattress.
Memory foam pillows are also hot on the market and a great way to get a piece of the experience. Some of these pillow options are traditionally shaped while others can take ergonomic shapes that target certain areas for additional support or that may be designed to cradle the head and neck for sleeping in cars, trains or planes. Memory foam wedges, and other support devices are also growing in popularity, especially for those with specific injuries or women who are pregnant or breast feeding.

American made memory foam mattresses are far superior to those manufactured in any other country in the world – period.

This shouldn’t be a surprise given memory foam itself is a byproduct of the American space program. Naturally, the country which has led the way in developing this new age technology is also going to be the one manufacturing the highest quality products within the guidance of the best industry standards and government regulation.

Memory foam was first developed in the 1907s by NASA as a means to help protect astronauts on space missions contend with the potentially harmful effects of G-forces at take-off and re-entry. Although the polyurethane-based foam never made it onto a space mission, further development in the private sector led to its successful entry into the medical supply and general retail markets.

From the beginning, memory foam was completely revolutionary. Although latex mattresses have been around for some years, memory foam challenged the very concept of metal spring-based mattress construction. The unrivaled comfort and support offered with memory foam’s unique body contouring effect that evenly distributes weight and eliminates pressure points that develop where coils press back against body weight.

Once it was clear memory foam was no gimmick and was on the market to stay, more and more companies began to offer their own wares. Eventually, companies in many foreign countries joined suit, often offering products at deep discounts compared to their American counterparts.

But don’t be fooled. You get what you pay for when it comes to memory foam. Companies that originate outside the United States may use lower quality or even toxic materials. In many cases, a mattress that seems to be an incredible deal on the surface may end up being a dud once the consumer realizes corners were cut in essential characteristics such as density or thickness. For the consumer, the result may be a far less comfortable and significantly less durable product.

The United States also has some of the strictest environmental, product and labor rules. This may mean a higher cost product, but it also means the consumer can rest easy that the product purchased will come as advertised and be comprised of materials that are not harmful to health or safety.